Effective energy harvesting in thin film organic solar cells using Ni:Zn as bimetallic nanoparticles

This article explores the effect of bimetallic plasmonic nanocomposites in the solar absorber layers of thin-film organic solar cells (TFOSCs) for possible improvement in harvesting solar energy. To achieve this goal, a new nanocomposite composed of Nickel and Zinc (Ni: Zn) was successfully synthesized by the use of a chemical reduction processes. The effect of bimetallic nanocomposites was studied using a photoactive medium, which comprises of poly-(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) blend and doped with Ni:Zn at different concentrations. Consequently, an improved power conversion efficiency value up to 4.78% was found at 1% Ni:Zn bimetallic concentration by weight compared to reference solar cell. This is a clear indication of the influence of Ni:Zn bimetallic nanoparticles on the performance of TFOSC. These effects have been realized by the occurrence of local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomenon caused by Ni: Zn nanoparticles in polymer medium. •Bimetallic metal nanocomposite is used to improve photons harvesting in organic solar cell.•Power conversion efficiency of OSC has improved by over 80% from LSPR effect.•Ni:Zn nanocomposite is environmentally stable for roll to roll device fabrication.